Have you ever asked yourself – “Which radiator valves do I need?” or thought “what type of radiator valves best suit my radiator?”
Our helpful guide will provide you with the answers you’re looking for.
Radiator valves play a key role in the operation of radiators and towel warmers. They control water flow within the pipes and ensure your radiator warms up efficiently and effectively. This will provide a warm and comfortable space for you and your family to enjoy.
Not all radiator valves are the same, however. And not every valve is compatible with all radiators or towel warmers.
Some valves simply cannot be fit to certain appliances. Others are not available for use with certain models due to their design, shape and size.
This helpful guide to radiator valves will offer an overview of the different types of valve. It will also explain how they can be used. You should gain a better understanding of what sort of radiator valves you require for your device and why.
Finding your Radiator Valve inlet
Identifying the position of your valve inlets is a relatively simple task. It is usually determined by which type of radiator or heated towel rack design you have.
For example, with towel warmers, the inlet is usually positioned underneath the appliance.
In this case, should your central heating pipes emanate from the wall, angled radiator valves are the obvious choice. They’ll allow you to connect the horizontal pipework to the towel warmer’s valve inlet.
Standard radiators, such as single and double panel convectors, usually feature side inlets. Again, these are typically located at the very bottom of the radiator. They actually only usually offer horizontal access from the side. It is likely that you’ll again require angled radiator valves to enable the pipework and the inlets to meet.
A variety of contemporary radiator designs incorporate middle connection valve inlets. As their moniker suggests, these are located at the foot of the radiator in the center. Popular in European households, these radiators offer a great means to maximize limited wall and floor space. This makes them a perfect option for the likes of cloakrooms and en-suites.
Finally, some radiators could be fed by pipework that emerges from the floor. In rare circumstances they could also have inlets at the back as opposed to the side. Straight valves are usually the best option for these type of radiators.
Basically, you won’t go far wrong by following these basic following guidelines:
Through Wall (Pipework) with…
Bottom Inlets – Angled Radiator Valve
Side Inlets – Angled Radiator Valve
Middle Inlets – H-Block Valve
Through Floor (Pipework) with…
Bottom Inlets – Straight Radiator Valve
Side Inlets – Angled Radiator Valve
Middle Inlets – H-Block Valve
Which Radiator Valves should I choose?
Radiator valves are often forgotten during the purchase of a new radiator or towel rack. It is a common and easily-made mistake.
All sorts of different valve designs make up the market. And, if you are commencing a full bathroom refurbishment for instance, they only account for a small element of a much larger project.
But we can help point you in the right direction of your ideal valve. Read on as we explore the nuances of several types of available valves. We’ll definitely help you to decipher the best option for your needs.
What Types of Radiator Valves are on offer?
Firstly, you need to know which of straight, angled or H-block radiator valves meet your needs.
Across America, the majority of radiators will include bottom opposite end connections. Simply put, the water enters and exits the radiator at either end at the bottom.
Depending on where your pipework appears – out of the wall, up from the floor etc. – you’ll be able to decide which type of valve best meets your requirements. To do so, you’ll need to understand the differences between each kind.
Angled Radiator Valves
The most popular valve type on the American market. Unsurprisingly, angled radiator valves connect the central heating pipes to your radiator at an ‘angle’. Usually 90 degrees or so.
Angled radiator valves are best suited to areas where the pipework emerges from the wall or beneath the floorboards. This is considering that you’ll require an angle to allow you to fit your pipes into the inlet connection.
These valves will always be popular, offering a neat appearance which conceals pipework. This makes them an ideal fit for minimalist installations.
Straight Radiator Valves
With straight radiator valves, the water flows ‘straight’. It isn’t transported or distributed at an angle.
This type of valve doesn’t incorporate any curves or bends. They tend to offer a horizontal connection from the floor. Therefore, they’re the perfect option if your pipework runs along the wall and into your radiator directly, or comes straight up out of the flooring.
H-Block Radiator Valves
H-Block valves are compatible with middle connection radiators. The likes our stunning Aurora radiator collection are well suited to this type of valve. They help to maximize the space surrounding your chosen heating solution.
They remove the need for space to be left at either side of the radiator or towel warmer. This area would normally be required to accommodate for valves.
This type of valve is also a lot easier to fit, remove and replace compared to angled and straight valves. They deliver both style and practicality to your home.
Corner Radiator Valves
Corner radiator valves are sometimes referred to as flat front valves. They are usually chosen for aesthetic purposes.
In contrast to angled valves, a corner valve won’t extend away from the foot of the radiator quite as much. Therefore, you’re even less likely to avoid accidentally coming into contact with the valve. Thus, the risk of potential injury is greatly reduced.
In fact, you remove that risk entirely as the top of the valve points inwards, and parallel with the wall. You do need to be slightly wary when opting for this kind of valve however. Depending on the location of your radiator, it can prove more difficult to adjust than it might with an angled valve.
The Different Types of Straight and Angled Valves
Two main types of radiator valves are available in the form of manual and thermostatic options. For absolute peace of mind with regards to safety, a lockshield valve is a viable alternative.
Looking at…Manual Radiator Valves
Manual radiator valves are probably the most popular type found within American homes. They operate in a largely similar manner to a tap.
Manual valves are switched on to enable the water to enter your radiator. It can be turned off again once heated to your preferred temperature.
There’s an important thing to remember with manual valves, though. Although they are easy to use and maintain, they do require close attention. They must be switched off whenever necessary to ensure your energy costs don’t spiral.
You can find straight and angled manual valves in a wide range of traditional and modern designs.
Looking at…Thermostatic Radiator Valves
Thermostatic radiator valves are very intelligently designed. They afford the user close control over temperature at the simple turn of a dial. They can limit your energy consumption levels, thus trimming your heating bills.
These valves gauge room temperature before altering the radiator or towel warmer’s heat output accordingly.
Once the room temperature hits the desired level, the valve will close to halt the water flow and stop the radiator from becoming any hotter. That mechanism ensures your room won’t be heated to a higher temperature than required. It enables you to individually heat rooms as well. Therefore a less frequented space can get by at a lower temperature than a room that is used more regularly.
In a similar way to manual valves, thermostatic valves come supplied in angled and straight designs. A variety of styles are available to match up with any decor.
Looking at…Lockshield Valves
This type of valve is typically covered by a plastic cap.
Lockshield valves closely control the level of water that flows out of the radiator and into the return pipework.
You can ‘balance’ the radiator via the use of lockshield valves. They ensure the system’s water is evenly distributed around the house. This will cause your radiators to heat up simultaneously, resulting in a more efficient form of home heating.
What size Radiator Valve do I require?
In discussing the size of radiator valves, I’m not referring to how big the valve(s) will look. That will be determined by your personal preferences and how you want your radiator to look. Contrastingly, I’m talking about the size of the fittings. i.e. how wide the connections are and the closest possible measurements of your pipework.
You’re most likely to come across ½ inch pipes in America, as these are most commonplace for the territory. There are a variety of other sized valves on the market however, spanning from 0.3 to 1.2 inches.
There is a wide range of connectors and adaptors that are compatible with pipework of this size. But it is advisable to identify the exact size of your pipes before buying your radiator and/or the accompanying valves.
What style of Radiator Valves are on the market?
Hudson Reed USA take pride in offering an extensive choice of modern and traditional radiator designs. Our selection of valves is similarly impressive.
There isn’t much point in upgrading your home with a brand new radiator if you’re going to use your existing valves. It is well worth ‘going the distance’ and investing in some brand new valves as well.
So select your radiators and measure your pipework. Choose between thermostatic radiator valves and manual options. And THEN you can think about which style of radiator valve(s) to go for.
We offer a terrific choice of contemporary and traditional valves. You can be confident of finding an ideal option to suit any sort of radiator installation.
Below are a few examples of some of the stylish and practical radiator valves that can be found on our website:
Antique Brass Thermostatic Radiator Valve Pack
This set exudes traditional style. It offers a perfect means to enhance a vintage radiator, such as any component from the Regent range.
Hudson Reed Minimalist Chrome Manual Angled Radiator Valves (Pair)
This angled pair of chrome valves will provide an eye-catching finish to a radiator or towel rack. It is certain to mesh well with both modern and traditional models.
Hudson Reed Chrome Thermostatic Straight H-Block Radiator Valve
This H-block valve is specifically designed for middle connection radiators and towel warmers. It cleverly conceals pipework to deliver a neat, streamlined home heating finish.
Radiator Valves: Essential points to consider
Given the rise of smart home technology, you might not require thermostatic radiator valves for your home. They could be viewed as outdated if positioned nearby contemporary fittings and fixtures.
If you do opt for a thermostatic radiator valve, remember to get them checked out at least annually. You have to make sure they are functioning properly, and helping you get the very best out of your designer radiators. People tend to leave their valves after installation, assuming they are working properly. This can lead to bigger problems when you realize that they aren’t performing as they should.
To make sure they are operating correctly, you also need to check that your central heating system is balanced correctly. This process of balancing the system was once a regular occurrence. Partly due to the emergence of TRVs though, it is no longer seen as an imperative practise.
Radiator Valves in the future
Smart home heating solutions are rising in popularity throughout the world. They are sure to continue to do so throughout 201 and into the future. You might even see some here at Hudson Reed USA soon!
Technology is always evolving, so who knows what sort of automated radiator design we’ll be discussing by the year’s end.
Currently, you can find electric radiator valves on the market if you look hard enough. But the vast majority require installation with a full smart home thermostat system.
Most likely, smart thermostats will go on to account for much of the home heating market. Bluetooth connectivity and mobile control are just two potentially game-changing innovations. Both are very hot right now.
These sort of developments represent the next steps towards completely automated home heating. And you’re probably only going to see more of these types of valves in the coming years.
For now though, I hope this guide has told you everything you need to know about radiator valves. You should know everything you need to to make a well-informed decision on the best type to choose for your home.
